These sound incredible and can be heard over the sound of other instruments. These are really well made. My gripe is that the plastic screw on lug end covers will not stay on after taken off to loosen the skins a few times. They strip out and fall off. I use the Meinle seated player Bongo stand so that's not a problem with the caps off the lugs but why even bother having them on in the first place if they won't last more than a few days. I bought the Cherry red and the finish is beautiful but be aware that the edge of the skins where they stretch over the rim of the wood that the cherry color will show through the skin when the skins are tightened. If you are nit picky about that I would suggest you buy the more earth toned color bongos.

Just got these babies - WoW !I gave it test on stage and man, I was so surprised at the awesome sound- clear and warmth. Making rolls sound like a machine gun and soloing was easy and it build my confidence. Very happy !

I owned a set of LP Matador Bongos, which I got for a lot more money out of another online store..bummer. When I compared the sound and features side by side I noticed a huge amount of sustain and volume that came out of these bongos over the Matadors. They sound great on stage because they have this neat "Free Ride" system that adds projection and volume to the sound. At this price I would recommend any professional bongo player to play the new Meinls. I love them!